JP Duminy has brought his Test career to an end
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
South Africa all-rounder JP Duminy has announced his retirement from Test cricket in order to focus on his limited overs career.
Duminy’s decision to step away from the longest format comes after he was dropped midway through the recent Test series against England.
Duminy had been struggling with the bat coming into the series and was expected to keep hold of his spot throughout the four Tests. However, the selectors had other ideas as they axed him from the squad after the first Test at Lord’s. To make matters worse, he was sent home after the second Test at Trent Bridge.
“After long and careful deliberation, I have decided to retire from first-class and Test match cricket with immediate effect,” Duminy said via a statement. “I have thoroughly enjoyed the privilege and opportunity to represent my country in 46 Tests and the Cape Cobras in 108 first-class matches overs the past 16 years.
“It is an experience that cannot be replaced and one I will always cherish. Test cricket has always been the pinnacle and I’ve been fortunate enough to experience some memorable highlights with the Proteas and also in first-class matches with the Cape Cobras.
“In recent years I have been privileged to be a senior member and custodian of a special team environment and culture which has made me very proud.
“In the years ahead, my focus will be placed on attaining limited-overs cricket success for South Africa and the Cape Cobras, along with attending to my young family, who have been incredibly supportive and understanding.”
Duminy will now work with the Cobras as a mentor in the first-class format in the time that he is not representing South Africa in limited overs cricket.
“There are many talented youngsters coming through our domestic system and I would love to help where I can,” he said. “I’ve had the privilege of working with the squad in this role over the last two weeks and I have thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Duminy made his Test debut in December 2008 and featured in 46 Tests, during which he scored 2,103 runs, which included six centuries and eight fifties, at an average of 32.85. He also took 42 wickets at an average of 38.11.